About the song
Marty Robbins’ “El Paso” is more than just a song; it’s a timeless tale of passion, betrayal, and tragedy set against the rugged backdrop of the American West. Released in 1959, this haunting ballad quickly captivated audiences with its evocative storytelling and unforgettable melody.
The song’s narrative unfolds with dramatic intensity. A young man, drawn by the allure of the Wild West, arrives in the bustling town of El Paso. There, he encounters a beautiful woman named Feleena, and their love blossoms amidst the vibrant atmosphere of the frontier. However, their idyllic romance is shattered when a jealous rival challenges the young man to a duel.
As the story progresses, the tension builds, culminating in a fateful confrontation. The young man, driven by his love for Feleena, accepts the challenge. The ensuing duel is a heart-pounding sequence, filled with suspense and uncertainty. The outcome is tragic, as the young man falls victim to his adversary’s deadly aim.
Robbins’ masterful storytelling is enhanced by the song’s musical elements. The haunting melody, coupled with the rhythmic guitar accompaniment, creates a sense of melancholy and longing. The harmonies provided by Bobby Sykes and Jim Glaser add depth and emotion to the vocals, further immersing the listener in the tragic tale.
“El Paso” has endured as a classic for its ability to evoke powerful emotions. The song’s timeless themes of love, loss, and the allure of the Wild West continue to resonate with audiences today. It’s a testament to Robbins’ songwriting prowess and the enduring appeal of the western ballad genre.
Video
Lyrics
From thirty thousand feet above
The desert floor, I see it there below
A city with a legend
The west Texas city of El Paso
Where long ago I heard a song
About a Texas cowboy and a girl
And a little place called Rosa’s
Where he used to go and watch this beauty whirl
I don’t recall who sang the song
But I recall the story that I heard
And as I look down on the city
I remember each and every word
The singer sang about a jealous cowboy
And the way he used a gun
To kill another cowboy
Then he had to leave El Paso on the run
El Paso City by the Rio Grande
The cowboy lived and rode away
But love was strong, he couldn’t stay
He rode back just to die in that El Paso sand
El Paso City by the Rio Grande
I try not to let you cross my mind
But still I find there’s just a mystery
In the song that I don’t understand
My mind is down there somewhere
As I fly above the badlands of New Mexico
I can’t explain why I should know
The very trail he rode back to El Paso
Can it be that man can disappear
From life and live another time?
And does the mystery deepen ’cause you think
That you yourself lived in that other time?
Somewhere in my deepest thoughts
Familar scenes and memories unfold
These wild and unexplained emotions
That I’ve had so long but I have never told
Like every time I fly up thru the heavens
And I see you there below
I get the feeling sometime
In another world I lived in El Paso
El Paso City by the Rio Grande
Could it be that I could be
The cowboy in this mystery
That died there in that desert sand so long ago?
El Paso City by the Rio Grande
A voice tells me to go and see
Another voice keeps tellin’ me
Maybe death awaits me in El Paso
El Paso City